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Baltimore Ravens Season Grades: Justin Forsett and Running Backs

By Shawn Brubaker

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Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re looking for proof that the Baltimore Ravens made big progress from 2013 to 2014, look no farther than the ground game. The Justin Forsett-led rushing attack produced a nearly 700 more yards than the year before. Here is a quick statistical comparison in team rushing:

2013: 423 carries, 1,328 yards, 3.1 average, 7 touchdowns

2014: 448 carries, 2,019 yards, 4.5 average, 16 touchdowns

Justin Forsett single-handedly almost surpassed what the entire Ravens’ team rushed for in 2013. So you can expect his grade to be pretty solid. Let’s take a look at the running back corps:

Justin Forsett – A

Without question the most unexpected fantasy stud this year was Justin Forsett and his 1,266 yards. No one could have seen that coming, yet his tremendous vision and solid acceleration produced a perfect fit for Gary Kubiak‘s zone scheme.

Forsett excelled at finding the hole or the cutback lane. From there, he would explode through the hole, then use his superb lower body strength to slip through defenders who tried to tackle him from behind.

There is no question Forsett slowed down as the season went on, which is the only reason his grade is not an A+. Yet even when his rushing totals decreased, Forsett’s impact as a pass blocker never waned. If nothing else, Forsett has earned himself a huge role in the future as a top-tier third down back.

In sum, Forsett had a great season and has ushered in a new era of Baltimore Ravens smashmouth football. He exceeded every expectation and has earned himself some nice money this offseason.

Bernard Pierce – D

There is nothing bad to say about Justin Forsett’s season, and there is little good to say about Bernard Pierce’s. The Ravens tried to use Pierce in a variety of roles this year, but he never found his niche. His lack of decisiveness was his downfall, as Pierce could never quite find the hole in the zone blocking scheme.

Unfortunately, Pierce showed nothing even as a short-yardage back. He did not generate much push in those situations, and the Ravens struggled as a result.

Pierce has one year left on his deal, but his 3.9 yard average could put him firmly on the roster bubble next season.

Lorenzo Taliaferro – B

Lorenzo Taliaferro occupies the middle-ground between the wildly successful Forsett and the struggling Pierce. In other words, Taliaferro was solid as a rookie but showed more potential than production.

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Taliaferro’s finest moment came Week 3, when he ran for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns. It’s hard to believe, but back then there were legitimate questions about who would be the Ravens’ lead back, and there were many who thought Taliaferro would be the guy after that performance.

Unfortunately for the big rookie, Taliaferro never completely gained the confidence of the coaching staff, playing in a very limited role after that.

Even so, Taliaferro was immediately the Ravens’ best goal-line back, scoring four touchdowns on his 68 carries.

The Ravens really missed Taliaferro’s ability to spell Forsett down the stretch, which should set him up for a bigger role in 2015. In the meantime, all fans can do is hope he makes good on what was a promising rookie year.

Fitzgerald Toussaint – C-

An undrafted rookie who was a surprise to generate a single carry this year, Fitz Toussaint garnered six carries for 12 yards and caught three balls for 27 yards. Toussaint’s touches were non-descript, making it hard to generate much of an opinion of him. His lack of power and vision showed on his carries, making Toussaint a likely practice squad candidate again next year.

Kyle Juszczyk – B-

Kyle Juszczyk quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his ability to make defenders pay for trying to tackle him on his 19 receptions. As a blocker, Juszczyk isn’t quite as exciting, though he is a willing and reasonably effective blocker.

Two fumbles really hurt Juszczyk’s role in the offense in the regular season, but all was forgiven by the time the playoffs rolled around, as Juszczyk caught six balls for 45 yards.

Juszczyk’s flexibility makes him a viable option in the passing game and a quality lead blocker. Just 23 years old, Juszczyk has a bright future in the league.

Next: Baltimore Ravens Season Grades: Joe Flacco and Quarterbacks

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